Southampton water tested positive for harmless bacteria

SOUTHAMPTON — Water samples taken from town wells on April 24 tested positive for bacteria, but the town’s water commissioners are reassuring residents it is a harmless kind. Further testing did not the bacteria, said Water Superintendent Joseph Slattery.

Slattery said the town regularly tests for coliform bacteria because though it is mostly harmless and naturally present in the environment, it can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria, including E. coli.

Three of six samples tested in April tested positive for coliform bacteria, prompting additional testing. “But there wasn’t any E. coli,” Slattery said.

In a press release, water commissioners said that residents did not need to boil water or take any other action, but added that people with severely compromised immune systems, infants and some elderly people may be at increased risk of infection by microbes and may want to contact a doctor for advice about drinking water.

Per state law, residents will be notified of the test results by mail. According to the press release, Southampton’s water hasn’t had a positive coliform bacteria sample in years.

For more information on the water testing, contact Slattery at 527-3666.